The Microsoft Surface running Windows RT includes Office 2013 Home and Student Version which runs on the tablet’s desktop. Out of the box it comes with the Review version of Office, but you can upgrade to the final version which is currently available, here’s how.
Update Surface RT to Office 2013 Final Version
You’ll need to run Windows Update from the desktop mode to find the update – not Windows Update through the metro-style UI. Use the keyboard shortcut WinKey + X to display the power user menu and click Control Panel.
Change the view to Large Icons, scroll down and click Windows Update.
Then click Check for Updates, if the update isn’t already listed.
The update for the final version of Office 2013 is 325MB and the amount of time it takes to install will vary depending on your WiFi connection speed.
After you’ve been upgraded, launch any of the Office apps and you’ll get a short introduction video, but you can skip it if you want.
I also recommend running Windows Updates again to get the latest updates for the final version. Yup, as usual with Microsoft, you need to update the updates.
After the update, I noticed the Office icons were no longer pinned to the Taskbar. But you can pin them from the Start screen to the Taskbar in RT just like in Windows 8.
Not sure which version of Office 2013 is installed? Here’s how to find out.
4 Comments
Leave a Reply
Leave a Reply
Dat Same Gui
What is the difference between the final and the preview, is the final one the same thing as what i would buy from office 2013 student?
Austin Krause
Good question!
The student edition is exactly the same as far as the functionality is concerned.
However, the student edition only includes 4 office apps – namely:
– Word
– Excel
– PowerPoint
– OneNote
However, there is also Office RT, vs Office.
The RT version has significantly less features, the full contrast is documented by Microsoft here: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/home-and-student/office-home-student-rt-preview-FX103210361.aspx
Ivan
What if I have a product key for full Office Suite? Can I download it on Surface RT? Thanks
Brian Burgess
The Surface RT comes with Microsoft Office Home and Student Edition for free — it’s all part of the deal. And the Surface RT price was reduced by $150 — and at the end of August, Outlook 2013 will be part of it too.